House Bill 1045 Summary

• Amends North Dakota Century Code sections 57-40.6-01 and 57-40.6-10 to update definitions and standards for emergency services communication systems, including prepaid wireless services, voice over internet protocol services, and public safety answering points.

• Establishes comprehensive requirements for public safety answering points (PSAPs), including 24/7 operation with at least one public safety telecommunicator on duty by July 1, 2013, two-way communication capability with all law enforcement, fire, and medical responders, and recording capability for emergency calls.

• Requires address and mapping data updates within 30 days of notice and mandates current mapping with longitude and latitude capability by July 1, 2013, to direct emergency responders.

• Mandates backup power systems providing at least 6 hours of continued operation during commercial power failures and requires alternative backup locations within 60 minutes capable of directly answering emergency calls by July 1, 2013.

• Establishes staffing and training standards requiring public safety telecommunicators to complete association of public safety communications officials courses, pass background checks, offer emergency medical dispatch instructions, and follow standardized procedures for handling various call types including non-English speakers and callers with hearing impairments.